22 December 2008

Snowstorms battered Quebec, Ontario and southwestern B.C. late Saturday and into Sunday, the first official day of winter, while an evening blizzard swept through the Maritimes."If you're in a satellite looking down on Canada, it would be white from coast to coast to coast and it would be frozen," said David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada. "There's no area that can say that winter hasn't really arrived."On Saturday, airlines at Pearson spent the day clearing a backlog from more than 300 flights that had been cancelled after a snowstorm swept through on Friday. New winter storm warnings from Environment Canada were issued Sunday for much of southern Ontario, southwestern Quebec and the Maritimes, as well as southern British Columbia. Freezing windchill warnings were issued for the Prairies and northern Ontario. Up to 30 centimetres of snow were expected Sunday evening in parts of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. In the south coast of B.C., 15 centimetres fell Sunday and another 5 to 10 centimetres were expected over night, Environment Canada said.Snowfall and blizzard warnings, along with wind warnings for Vancouver Island, have been issued for parts of the Fraser Valley.The temperature dropped to –15.2 C at Vancouver International Airport on Friday night. Forecasts for some regions in B.C., such as the Yoho and Kootenay National parks, included frostbite warnings as the wind chill is expected to make it feel as low as –48 .

If this sounds like news from "The Great White North" you are right. This is what other countries expect of Canada during the winter months...but believe me it isn't usually like this.

Although it hasn't put a damper on our Christmas spirit. You just have to be that much more diligent and careful driving when you venture out. Yesterday I was inside all snug and warm cooking up a storm of my own in the kitchen. "The Boy" came over for a dinner and some celebration before he heads north to his home town. No photos were taken of this feast but we had Crab Cakes with Chipotle Mayonnaise, Prime Rib Roast with Herbed Yorkshire Pudding and Two Mushroom Gravy, Garlic Roasted Potatoes (for Little Burnt Toast), Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Chives (for the rest of us), Steamed Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas and for dessert Eggnog Creme Brulee.

We sipped on my "They Asked for the Recipe Punch" and an Okanagan winery Shiraz. "The Boy" gifted me with Ina Gartens latest cookbook, 2 bottles of wine and an abundant bouquet of flowers with green orchids included. Spoiled I was... but not as spoiled as Little Burnt Toast. She should hold on to this one who treats her like an angel and "mom" like a queen...wink...wink...

I can't even imagine how it is when it's -48. I am freezing just with the thought. It's getting colder in Athens as well but we shouldn't complain as it still is above zero. "The Boy" is lucky to have you and LiBuTo as well. You treated him like King with all those delicious food.

It is a winter wonderland...it is very beautiful. But after years of living it (the beauty and the frustration), I'm very happy to look at your photo while I sit with my window open in Florida. Happy holidays to you and yours.

Chicago is covered with snow and ice, too. We are below 0 today. Brrr! The Boy sounds like a keeper for sure :) Glad to hear your holiday season is off to a great start. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Greetings from your neighbor to the south ... also part of the Great White North! Ha! I'm actually enjoying the beauty of the snow; however, my town is not equipped to handle it so we've been homebound. Anyway ... sounds like you had a FEAST! Oh my gosh, it all sounds so good. I think I actually moaned out loud when I read "Eggnog Creme Brulee"! You're right ... this "boy" is a keeper! Keep warm!

What a wonderful-sounding Christmas feast! Rib of beef is such a favourite.I hope that the cook book arrives soon - I'd hoped it would be with you before Christmas.I hope you have a wonderful time and a Happy New Year!

I think at last look we are 19 degrees colder than average. And everything's coated with a very thin layer of ice. It would be miserable except like you say it's great for getting in the Christmas spirit!Dinner (and the Boy) sound terrific!

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My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 9 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.